Chad Greenway established himself as a prominent figure in Football through a distinguished collegiate career that culminated in being selected 17th overall by the Minnesota Vikings in the 2006 NFL Draft. As a standout outside linebacker for the University of Iowa Hawkeyes from 2002 to 2005, Greenway earned significant accolades, including second-team All-Big Ten honors in 2003 before achieving first-team All-Big Ten selection in both 2004 and 2005. His exceptional performance also garnered him first-team All-American recognition from Pro Football Weekly in 2004 and a second-team All-American nod in 2005, alongside being named Iowa’s Special Teams Player of the Year. These achievements positioned him as one of the top defensive prospects in the nation.
Greenway went on to spend his entire 11-year professional career (2006-2016) with the Minnesota Vikings, becoming a respected leader on and off the field. Despite missing his rookie season due to an ACL injury, he quickly became a pivotal defensive player. By 2008, he recorded his first career sack and achieved a career-high of 5.5 sacks in a single season. His consistent high-level play led to back-to-back Pro Bowl selections in 2011 and 2012, solidifying his status as one of the league’s top linebackers.
He retired from professional football in 2017, leaving a lasting legacy with the Vikings organization. Since his retirement, Greenway has remained deeply involved in community initiatives and various business ventures. He actively champions his Lead the Way Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing the lives of critically ill and physically challenged children and their families. Through his ongoing endeavors, Greenway continues to leverage his platform and leadership skills, extending his commitment to making a positive impact beyond the football field.